Photo of Ophiopogon japonicus fruit by Kenpei

Photo by Kenpei

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Buy Ophiopogon japonicus

Also Known As

  • Mondo Grass

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 12"
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

3.5" | $8.95

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Fewer than 18 at Noname Nursery

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Ophiopogon japonicus plant details

Ophiopogon japonicus is an evergreen perennial groundcover grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In fall lavender flowers emerge followed by blue fruit. Features grassy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ophiopogon japonicus

Plant type: perennial groundcover grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: asparagaceae, liliaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 12 IN tall
Flowers: lavender blooms in fall
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, edging plant, lawn alternative, pathway, rock garden, unique, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ophiopogon japonicus

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Ophiopogon japonicus, or Mondo Grass, features compact mounds of dark green, grass-like evergreen leaves. Tiny spikes of lilac flowers. Very easy to grow. Deer resistant. Ornamental Grasses are low maintenance and grow well in most soil types. They look beautiful, adding color, height, and movement to your garden. an excellent companion plant with contrasting foliage.
Fast growing evergreen grass for groundcover. Dark green color. Finer and smaller growing than the similar Liriope. 6-10" tall. Spreads rapidly. Recommended by: USNA.

By: Fantastic Plants

From the Greek Ophis (Snake) and Pogon (Beard). A close botanical relative to Liriope and very similar in most aspects and applications. Generally is more of a shade lover and less tolerant of full, hot sun (morning sun ok). Mondo and Dwarf Mondo are often used as far North as Zone 5 even though their cold hardiness rating is zone 6 or 7. These installations are successful when a microclimate is created in the landscape by planting in a protected area: a shady enclosed garden or courtyard surrounded by other plants and shrubs. Native to Southeast Asia.

Gardening facts about Ophiopogon japonicus plant

How to Grow Ophiopogon japonicus

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Fruit

    • blue
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy
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